Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to access different networks of people that could lead to future employment opportunities.

You can also gain valuable skills and build up references for your resume to assist with applying for work.

Some opportunities might include:

• Administrative or office work
• Visiting aged or elderly people at home or in hospital
• Adult literacy tutoring
• Gardening/environmental work
• Assisting people with a disability
• Assisting with therapy programs
• Meals on Wheels and Books on Wheels
• Childcare or youth work
• Opportunity-shop work
• Working as a member of a board or committee
• Community transport.

Search your local council website for information on volunteering opportunities or use the links to the right.

Direct application to a company

Why not visit organisations in your area to inquire about job vacancies?

Make sure to bring a copy of your resume and a relevant cover letter with you.

Explore more options

Traineeships

A traineeship is a great way to learn on the job, gain a qualification and get paid at the same time.

Traineeships are usually not as long as apprenticeships and the conditions are a little different.

The following conditions apply to traineeships:

• An employer agrees to employ and support you for the term of the traineeship, and you agree to follow instruction and attend structured training
• If the business is sold, the new employer does not have to keep you on as a trainee
• Either party may cancel the contract by signing a cancellation form or letter stating the date of cancellation. Mutual agreement is not required.

Traineeships

Find comprehensive information about taking a traineeship in Australia

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a great way to get hands-on practical skills while you are studying and working.

It is a longer commitment than a traineeship and has strict conditions between the employer and the employee.

The duration of an apprenticeship is 3-4 years depending on the industry area.

The following conditions apply to apprenticeships:
• An employer agrees to employ you for the term of the apprenticeship and to support you in your training for that period of time, and you agree to follow instruction and attend off-the-job and/or workplace-based training
• If your employer sells the business during your apprenticeship, the new employer must continue with the training contract
• Once the probationary period of the training contract has passed, all parties must agree in order for the contract to be cancelled.

The duration of an apprenticeship will increase if you are doing the apprenticeship part-time or as a school-based apprenticeship.

For more information on these approaches to work, check out the A-Z Resources.